When you visit a website, the first thing you notice is how the site looks. Is it too simple? Too complicated? Or just plain pretty? When it comes to creating a good design, it’s not just a matter of creativity or imagination.
There are simple rules to follow that make any design project successful. These are the principles of graphic design. With their help, an experienced designer can assemble individual disparate elements into a single, effective composition.
It is necessary to remember the seven most important principles when developing a graphic project.
Balance
Characterizes the arrangement of design elements on the layout. There are three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
In symmetrical balance, both sides of the page layout are the same in layout, shape, lines and other elements. Symmetrical layout evokes a sense of correctness, calmness.
Asymmetrical balance occurs when the two sides of a website do not match, but they have similar elements. Sometimes a graphic designer intentionally creates an unbalanced design. Asymmetrical Web sites are becoming increasingly popular nowadays.
Radial symmetry places elements in a circular array. This gives a sense of movement, dynamism, The way elements are placed as radial symmetry is popular in print layouts, but is not suitable for websites because achieving a circular distribution of information on a web page is quite difficult.
Alignment
Alignment is the alignment of text and graphic elements along the sides of the page, along the top or bottom edge of the layout, or in the center of the page. Alignment helps create the appearance of order and makes the text easier to read. When design elements are aligned, it creates a sense of connection between them.
The elements to be aligned don’t necessarily have to be the same type. More often than not, the left edge of the layout serves as the alignment guide. Photos of different sizes are displayed as a whole when they are oriented along the top or bottom edge.
Repetition
This is the duplication of design elements to achieve a seamless experience. For example, the repetition of graphics and styles within a single website forms a consistency of design, creating a rhythm in the design. It lets users know that they are still on the pages of the same website.
Object Proximity
Used to group related elements together. Elements don’t have to be close together, but they do need to be connected visually.
Contrast
Emphasizes and highlights the main parts of the design. Contrasting objects immediately draw attention to themselves, add interest to the page, and direct the reader’s gaze. Contrast is created when two elements are complete opposites, for example, in size, color, texture. This effect can also be achieved by using fonts, lines, and shapes.
Expressive
This is the principle that makes one part of the design dominate the other parts. For example, the dominance of one or more individual elements creates a focal point in the design of a site.
Space
Is part of graphic design. It can be either positive (filled in) or negative (empty). Design areas that remain empty are just as important as those that contain text and images. Negative space creates form and helps the human eye perceive information more easily.